The bill, titled “The Cannabis Regulation and Taxation Act,” was drafted by Richard M. Evans, an attorney from Northampton. The bill would legalize the possession, consumption and sale of marijuana for people over 21 and establish a series of licenses requiring annual fees.

The bill contains a lot of rules concerning cannabis packaging and licensing fees, but that is a good thing. Marijuana laws need to be specific, lest they get lost in the mire of “what ifs.” People want to know exactly what they are voting for.

Besides, the more specific a bill is, the less it can be demonized by lies from its opponents.

Massachusetts is going to be another legalization battleground, and it is a place where we have a good chance of winning. But it is up to us – the marijuana activists – and to those in MA who want to see this bill passed. Share stories and speak out; if you live in MA, contact your representative and let them know you want this bill passed. And let them know that your vote depends on theirs.